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Lingering in Lampang

It really is a shame to come all the way to North Thailand and not explore some of the slightly lesser visited areas, mainly because there are so many of them. There are plenty of opportunities to spend a few days away somewhere lovely in the countryside and have very limited contact with anyone who isn't a local. So, if you like the outdoors then you really will relish your time there.

A friend of mine recently took a trip out to a place about an hour's drive north-east of Lampang, near the Chaeson National Park. Her serene account made it sound like a very good place to go - green all year round and mountainous, with waterfalls and hot springs adding to the attractions. And wherever there is a national park it's likely there will be affordable resort-style accommodation nearby too. Set amongst undulating hills and rice fields, my friend stayed at the Raiya Chaeson Resort.

As well as being a stepping-off point to explore the surrounding area, the Raiya Chaeson can also provide you with bicycles, and offers horse riding along with in-house herbal massage. Another quite specific draw is the resort's meditation areas, urging you to commune better with yourself as well as with the natural environment.

Rustic rooms on stilts start at about 500 baht, depending on how large your group is. Other cabins and houses are also available, and there's a restaurant offering Thai and International dishes.

The scenic train journey from Chiang Mai to Lampang takes a little longer than travelling by road, but is worth the extra hour or so, I'd say. To find out how best to make your travel arrangements, you can contact the Raiya Chaeson Resort at: 054-263048 or 04-6194552 or email: webmaster@raiyachaeson.com